Apple just released a major software upgrade for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch: iOS 9. It has something for everyone. If your device was purchased within the last few years, you'll be able to install it — actually, if you can run iOS 8, then you can run iOS 9. And you'll definitely want to! Here's a quick overview of what iOS 9 entails and two ways to install it onto your device.

Better Battery Life

Apple states that optimizations in iOS 9 gives you an additional hour of battery life. One way this is accomplished is by keeping the screen off, even if you receive a notification, when the iPhone is either in your pocket or face down. A new feature called "Lower Power Mode" will limit background processes, screen brightness, and automatic downloads, and more when your battery falls below 20%. Cool, right?

Multitasking on the iPad

For the iPad Air and Air 2, you'll be able to view two apps at the same time. Reference the web while writing an email. Jot down a quick note while reading a book. Message your friend while looking for a nearby restaurant. Regardless of how you use the iPad, being able to do more is a welcome addition.

Overhaul of Notes

Nearly everyone uses the yellow Notes app on their iPhone and iPad. Now, you can create to-do lists within Notes, attach files, and even make sketches with the new pen and marker tools. And now that Notes supports iOS 9's share options, you can add snippets of information easily from other apps. Your Notes will sync via iCloud to all your Apple devices and can also be accessed from a Windows computer by logging into iCloud.com.

There are many more things to love about iOS 9, but those are a few of our favorites. Keep an eye on this blog for more tips coming in the future. You can also learn more from Apple, too. The bottom line is that if you want better battery, iPad multitasking, or improved Notes, you should definitely update.

Two Ways to Install iOS 9

On the device

If your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch has enough available free space on it, you can easily upgrade to iOS 9 straight on the device itself.

Go to Settings → General → Software Update

Follow the on screen instructions

It's important to keep in mind that depending on your internet connection and speed of the device, this process can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour.

Use Your Computer

Some people might receive a notification saying that there's not enough free space on the device to do the update. You're not out of luck. Thankfully, you can us your computer to upgrade.

Using a USB cable, plug your device into your computer

Open iTunes (If your on an Windows computer, you might need to download iTunes)

In the toolbar of iTunes, choose your device

Click the Update button

Again, this will take a bit of time depending on your internet speed and whatnot.